For more information on protecting your eyes, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology website. The 580g lenses are lightweight, thin, and scratch resistant. His newest book about the true crimes that inspired Edgar Allan Poe will be out in 2020. The polarized, non-prescription lenses are made from a scratch-resistant plastic polymer, CR-39, while the prescription versions are made from polycarbonate, known for its impact resistance. Their sunnies are also durable. But sunglasses arent just about looks. The company makes all the sunnies in small batches to ensure the highest quality and are as good as brands that cost twice the price or more. The Flak 2.0 XL has great eye coverage, including peripheral views, and the polarized Prizm lenses offer great clarity and glare reduction with intense color enhancement. Well, look no further. Its ok to use lens wipes on polarized lenses. Disclosure:This post is sponsored by Tomahawk Shades and contains affiliate links. Of course, you don't have to spend north of $200 on a decent pair of polarized sunglasses. "We try to show people that we are here producing top of the line products with the best materials we can source," Andrew Shapiro, Tomahawk Shades CEO and Founder, told Insider via email. Check out this list of the best mens glasses trends in 2022 and how to pull them off like a boss. The Knockaround Paso Robles earns a 4.8 star average with over 175 reviews live on their site at the time of writing. Look at the dimensions of the sunglasses for an idea of how they might fit. "Higher quality lenses have film laminated between two layers of lens material, preventing it from being scratched or rubbed off.". We kept notes on everything, including style, finish, overall fit, whether they stayed put when we needed them to, and, of course, price. Plus, Warby Parker has a 30-day hassle-free return or exchange policy, free shipping, and a no-scratch guarantee for their lenses (they'll replace them for free within the first 6 months). They're light, and the frames are large enough to fully block out the sun. A post shared by Costa Sunglasses (@costasunglasses). It's not medically necessary. Reviewers on Amazon give the Costa Del Mar Fantail around a 4.7-star average with over 800 submissions. The 649s also featured Persol's famous Meflecto flexible stems that prevent them from pressing against your temples, making for a more comfortable wearing experience. They're made from cellulose acetate with an internal steel frame. Get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. The lenses are manufactured by the German manufacturer Carl Zeiss, one of the world's leading optics companies. Without getting too technical, polarized shades are chemically coated to limit the type of glare thats reflected back into your eyes under bright, intensely sunny conditions. These are the best Ray Ban alternatives out on the market in 2022. With over 3,500 reviews on Amazon averaging out to around a 4.5 out of 5 stars, its safe to say that the Ray-Ban 3025 is a beloved set of sunglasses. Theyre bold, fun, and decidedly retro. The Italian luxury eyewear brand Persol continues to deliver impeccable style and craftsmanship as exemplified through its iconic 649 Original. The shape of the frames are almost universally flattering. Summer isn't over. According to Dr. Park, polarized lenses reduce visibility at night, so should not be worn while driving when it's dark out. The latter is what causes the worst glare due to light reflecting off of bodies of water, wet roads, or snow. Revo sidesteps that problem with the all-new Descend Fold. Think of polarized lenses like literal shields for your eyeballs. And unlike many of its competitors, the company still makes its products in the U.S., at a facility in Chicago. The Smith Lowdown 2s are perfect for running and other outdoor activities. Learn more. They can serve a higher purpose in protecting your eyeballs, but that requires a serious pair of polarized sunglasses. Email us at reviews@insider.com. It seems every sunglass maker is touting polarized sunglasses, and it turns out that the technology is not just a marketing gimmick. Dr. Park describes UV radiation as a wavelength of light in the non-visible spectrum that can cause damage to tissues of the body, including the eye. If you spend a lot of time driving or youre often near the water, getting a pair of polarized sunglasses can literally save you a headache, or worse: crispy eyeballs. Dr. Park, an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, said the polarized lenses are especially good for driving. According to Dr. Herz, the clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, polarized lenses can help make your eyes feel less tired, prevent associated headaches (especially when you're on or near the water), and make your surroundings appear sharper. The polarized lenses come in several models depending on what you're looking to use them forskiing, golf, running, beach sportsbut all of them offer crystal-clear colors and depth perception while blocking out glare and UV, infra-red and blue light. Theyre not the best for taking on and off constantly, but if you leave them on your frames, they can make switching between light and dark environments a breeze. Some polarized sunglasses offer UV protection, but some dont. These days, the biggest eyewear brands offer dozens, even hundreds, of polarized sunglasses, while some offer only polarized models. A pair of acetate Wayfarers, for example, can brighten up your look in a cool, retro-inspired way. The lensesyou can choose from either ChromaPop or polarized carbonicare impact resistant. The streamlined aesthetic is stylish, yet streamlined enough to match just about any outfit. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. The iconic Vuarnet Legend 03, made famous by The Big Lebowski, goes beyond mere style with the brand's famous polarized lenses that provide crystal-clear color and depth. Its best to find sunglasses that specifically claim UVA/UVB protection to seriously safeguard your eyes, especially in high-sun environments. Raen Optics is a California brand that has continued to up the game on mid-priced sunglasses with handmade frames, timeless style, and high-quality materials, all at a decent price point. They completely wipe out glare, offer 100% UVA protection, and are scratch and shatter resistant. The fit is extremely comfortable and designed to sit and stay squarely on your face, courtesy of improved Hydrolite grip on the earpieces and nose pad. Want a little slice of that laid back California vibe? They completely cut out glare and also provide full UV protection. Green lenses offer the most clarity while still giving full protection. Many reviewers say this isnt their first experience with Knockaround, reporting that these are their 4th, 5th, or 6th pair of sunglasses from the brand. Learn more. The Saratoga was reintroduced last year after being unavailable for decades, due to the former factory in Massachusetts no longer able to produce the cotton-based acetate needed for the frames, according to Scott Shapiro, the CEO Of Europa Eyewear, which owns AO. The acetate frame has a wide profile with a keyhole bridge that features the company's patented Victor Flex, a three-notch bridge that allows you to adjust the length and curve for a personalized fit. Raen Optics' Remmy highlights the best features of this California brand: Handmade frames, timeless style, and high-quality materials. Oakley's retro-futuristic Flak 2.0 XL offers wrap-around eye protection with lenses that enhance colors while blocking glare. Knockaround makes excellent beater sunglasses. What does that mean? The Costa Del Mar Fantails are a bit pricey, but theyre durable and offer all the protection you need for long days in the sun, which makes them a worthy investment. The right shades can singlehandedly define your aesthetic. The sunglasses in this guide are unisex, but will look bigger or smaller on you depending on your face shape and size. The combination of Plutonite lenses and Grilamid polycarbonate frames ensures theyre durable and built to last for years. Besides eliminating glare, the lenses also block 100% of UVA/UVB light. Sunski began life on Kickstarter after the founders failed to find success with their bowl specifically designed for chips and salsa (true story). When the shades arrive at your house, inside the box you'll find a card with the batch number and when it was made, just one of the brand's thoughtful details. They're super stylish, but built for sweat-inducing activities like running and cycling. As a kid I lusted after both the Ray-Ban Wayfarer and the Aviators. If I could only wear one outfit for the rest of my life, itd be slim blue jeans, green fitted oxford shirt, Chelsea boots, and a nice watch. Lisa Park and Natasha Herz, who explained the benefits of these types of lenses that block out polarized light, AKA glare, that's created when light bounces off surfaces like water or a car hood and enters the eye horizontally. This is especially important for a wide range of outdoor activities, from fishing and watersports to skiing and snowboarding. We review six different pairs. Listen, we get it. Rather than plastic lenses like most sunglasses, the Fantail uses glass, which gives you clearer and less-warped vision. There are tons of thoughtful details, from the diamond-shaped rivets that secure the hinges, to the lens cloth that comes with the shades and features the Saratoga's schematics on it. The Ranger Class shades have a mid-century aesthetic with square lenses and elegantly tapered temples. The clarity of the AOLite lenses is outstanding, with great depth perception and glare reduction. There are 20+ combinations of lenses and frame colors so you can get something you love. If you damage, break, or even lose your sunglasses, the company will replace them up to two times for a small fee ($10 to $20 depending on the style, a bit more for international orders) plus shipping. Yes, polarized sunglasses offer an extra layer of protection beyond full spectrum UV coverage. Well see you soon. The all-new Reefton Pro combine the brands best features into a single pair of glare-fighting shades. Both types of lenses also offer 100% UV protection. I'm a big fan of Maui Jim for the brand's ability to come up with unique frames and for their polarized lenseswhich are all made in either Italy or Japanthat are some of the best available. Polarized lenses differ from lenses with UV protection, Dr. Herz explained. The polarized lenses are made from the company's Maui Brilliant, a polycarbonate material that's much lighter than glass but with optics nearly as clear, while being shatter and scratch resistant. The latest version is available in four distinct frames, including white, tortoiseshell, and burgundy with a handful of beautiful lens options. Polarized light, as described by Dr. Park, are waves oscillating in one plane or direction. The non-prescription version of the Barkley comes in at under $100 with single-vision prescriptions at $175. She recommends larger frames, since they provide more eye coverage. Through all of that, the Fantail performs like champ. "Inexpensive polarized sunglasses have a thin film applied on one side of the lens," Dr. Park said. If youre in need of a solid pair of clip on polarized lenses that dont break the bank, check out the CAXMAN Polarized Clip On Sunglasses. There are a lot of counterfeiters out there that may otherwise send you a convincing fake. One of the common frustrations we see (and one we feel ourselves) is that the brand tends to sell out quickly, though that also speaks to their growth. The American Optical Saratoga sunglasses are back after being unavailable for decades. UV lenses, on the other hand, protect the surface of your eyes from the harmful rays. Fuse Lenses is known for an outstanding and wide-range of replacement lenses, but the company also makes quality sunglasses at great prices, including the Egmont, a sporty take on the Wayfarer. Two premium lens options are now available: Crystal lenses with Transitions tech that instantly adapts to a wide range of indoor and outdoor lighting conditions and state-of-the-art Chromance lenses with a polarizing filter that enhances contrast, colors, and overall clarity.